Overview & Reviews
As the popularity of SUVs has grown, it seems that much of the original rugged off-road personality these models were known for has been bred out of the segment in favor of on-pavement comfort and drivability. Among luxury SUVs, that shift seems even more evident. The original Volkswagen Touareg was one of the sport-utilities that clung to those off-road roots, but the next generation made the shift toward the everyday.
It's hard to argue with the results, though. The first-generation Touareg was a capable model known for its high-class interior, off-road ability and respectable towing capacity. But it was also very heavy and had subpar fuel economy. The newer Touareg lacks those more serious off-road chops but is otherwise a superior vehicle that's more in line with what consumers want from a modern and luxurious SUV.
Current Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg is a five-passenger midsize SUV that's available in six main trim levels: Sport, Lux, X Special Edition, R-Line, Executive and Hybrid. All but the Hybrid and X Special Edition can be had with either gasoline V6 ("VR6") or turbodiesel ("TDI") V6 power.
The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, while the turbodiesel V6 TDI generates 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variant features a supercharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor that combine to produce 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard on all models.
Even the base Sport trim comes with bi-xenon headlights, a power tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated power front seats. A navigation system package with keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera and a hands-free power liftgate is optional. Stepping up to the Lux trim gets you all that, plus a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. Celebrating this model's 10th anniversary, the X Special Edition is essentially a Lux with the TDI engine, exclusive paint, unique wheels and upgraded leather upholstery. The R-Line loses the hands-free liftgate, but otherwise is a Lux with 20-inch wheels, a sport body kit and a sport-tuned suspension. In addition to the Lux features, the Executive features a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a top-view parking camera and a premium sound system. Opting for the Hybrid adds a power-adjustable steering column and additional front seat functions.
In our reviews, we've found that the Volkswagen Touareg is a well-designed crossover SUV that offers commendable driving dynamics. The Touareg's base V6 is a solid pick, but we've found the more fuel-efficient TDI diesel more to our liking and well worth the added premium. On the other hand, the Hybrid model boasts the type of power and performance of a V8 engine, but its less-than-frugal fuel economy may fall short of some expectations. In essence, it consumes about as much as a V6 engine would. A major highlight for any Touareg is the cabin, which scores points for its upscale design and high-quality materials.
Used Volkswagen Touareg Models
The Volkswagen Touareg was fully redesigned for 2011 with a new focus on on-road driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. In addition to its somewhat sleeker styling, this Touareg differs from the previous one by going without a dual-range transfer case. Although that change reduced its all-out off-road capabilities, VW realized that most upscale SUV drivers likely spend most, if not all, of their time on pavement and would benefit much more from a 400-pound weight reduction and the resulting increases in fuel efficiency and on-road handling dynamics. This second-generation Touareg also provides more comfort for those in back via added legroom and a reclining seatback.
For 2013, the TDI engine's horsepower was increased from 225 to 240. The celebratory X Special Edition and sporty R-Line trims didn't debut until 2014.
The first-generation VW Touareg debuted in 2004 and lasted through 2010. Initially, it came equipped with either a 220-hp 3.2-liter V6 or a 310-hp 4.2-liter V8. Many owners considered this V6 to be underpowered, so going with the V8, especially now that depreciation has set in, probably isn't a bad idea. VW also sold a few range-topping Touareg V10 TDI models that first year -- the TDI had a diesel-fueled turbocharged V10 displacing 5.0 liters. It was rated at 310 hp and a stout 553 lb-ft of torque. Every engine was connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The V10 was dropped for 2005, while the original V6 received 20 more hp. Changes for '06 included upgrading the optional CD-based navigation system to DVDs and adding an available rearview camera, an auxiliary multimedia MP3 connector and a 115-volt power outlet (in place of the previous 12-volt source) in the rear cargo area. The V10 engine also made its return to the U.S. market very late into the 2006 calendar year.
Some notable engine changes occurred for '07. For that year Volkswagen brought out a new 3.6-liter V6 engine that produced 276 hp, while the Touareg's 4.2-liter V8 was given a boost to 350 hp.
In 2008, the Touareg was renamed the Touareg 2 and received a slight refresh (not a full redesign), but VW dropped the "2" two years later to once again make it just the VW Touareg. Changes included updated styling and revised feature content. This was also the last year for the big V10; it was replaced for '09 with the V6 TDI, which made 221 hp and a still robust 407 lb-ft of torque). The V8 was also discontinued at the end of the 2009 model year.
Of the few demerits attributed to the first-generation Volkswagen Touareg, mediocre backseat and cargo space were the most prominent. The lack of a third-row seat and the standard suspension's stiff ride also managed to dull the Touareg's shine, though an optional (and pricey) air suspension fixed the ride quality issues. Overall, the Touareg proved to be an excellent road tripper, with a luxuriously quiet cabin on the highway and smooth-shifting transmission.
User Reviews:
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This is a truck? This is a TRUCK! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By ColoradoRed - September 2 - 2:00 amI cant wait to break in the engine and get down to buisness. Fuel economy is a drag, but hey... this thing can weigh around 3.5 tons... not much can do that efficiently! Its a blast to drive, and even more fun to discover all the little eggs, so to speak, about the car. I love it!
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VW 4.2L Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By biggreenmachine - August 27 - 2:00 amSolidly built and fun to drive ith excellent handling. Ive not taken it off rode- yet. Fuel consumption is as advertised- a true gas hog. Front seats are on a bit of a platform limiting putting your left foot back which is my only complain about comfort. Gauges are too small and hard to scan while driving. Gadgets are plentiful- reading the manual is a must.
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Beauitful, yet HUNGRY - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By newatlantaguy - July 21 - 2:00 amAfter test driving many other SUVs in this class, the VW Touareg lurred me to the bargaining table. It drives like a charm, and the options I added, (navigation, parking assistance, xenon lights) make it a pleasure to drive. Though, Im less than pleased with my need to refill the tank weekly, with an average mile per gallon of 13-14. Overall though, I dont regret my purchase, just double think my routes!
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clueless transmission - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By reslender - July 15 - 2:00 amfrom a dead stop car is unsure of what gear to be in and you cannot get a smooth start. if letting off the throttle to make a turn or go over a speed bump, etc., it hesitates after you reapply pressure to the gas pedal, almost like its thinking. then it suddenly goes into gear and snaps your head back. excellent on the road, horrible around town and in stop and go traffic.
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GREAT - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By JVW - June 15 - 10:00 amNICE CAR! BETTER FIT AN FINISH THAN OUR JAG XKR. BETTER PERFORMANCE, RIDE, ETC THAN THE ML430 WE TRADED. VERY QUIET AND A GREAT RIDE WITH THE AIR SUSPENSION.
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Wish I never bought - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By bjtres - May 28 - 10:00 amProblems with locking on rear hatch. I have it that it should be unlocked with other doors...sometime is, sometimes not. Back passanger do sticks. Auto button sets temp to 72, not where you have it set. Air always blows on windshield even if redirected...causes condensation at night, morning, and rainy days. Wheel skweek. Volkswagen cannot figure out alignment problem on vehicle.
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Great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By bretthurt - May 23 - 10:00 amWe love this SUV. Although a bit pricey, it drives great and looks good.
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Fun Porsche Cayenne Substitute - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Larry - May 19 - 7:16 amI had a Porsche Cayenne S for a day and the Volkswagen Touareg V8 was every bit as good for a lot less money. The power is amazing and the aggressive sound of the exhaust compliments the styling very well. Other than the poor gas mileage and the tires wearing out after 19,000 miles, this is a great vehicle!
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One of the Best SUVs!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By JKC - May 2 - 10:00 amI tested and studied many SUVs before getting this one and I have to say its the best value for the money right now and probably for a while. Its not the best in all of the fields, but it is either equal or better than the others. Something only a few can claim and prove. Performs similar to a BMW X5-on road, rides similar to a Lexus RX330, and performs similar to a Range Rover- off road.
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Perfect, Except for Gas Mileage - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Turner - March 22 - 3:46 pmI honestly think that the Volkswagen Touareg is one of the greatest vehicles of all time. Its only downfall comes only from its massive weight that hinders better performance and gas mileage. In my case, I drive a short distance to work, so I am willing to tollerate the lack of fuel economy (16 city, 19 hwy). I recently took a 1,200 mile road trip and found it to be exceptionally comfortable and easy to drive - smooth and quiet even at 100 mph. We also hit very rough weather and it was useful having the weight and the full-time all wheel drive. The sandard Dunlop tires look good but last only 25,000 miles - with few alternatives. I recommend this car highly to anyone willing to accept the gas mileage.
